06/03/26
The D&D 2026 Roadmap: A Look at the Upcoming Releases for Dungeons & Dragons
In this episode of The Bardic Quest Talk Show we break down the D&D 2026 release roadmap announced at GAMA, focusing on spring’s “Season of Horror” anchored by Ravenloft: The Horrors Within and its accessories (Tarokka deck, Ravenloft DM screen, and map packs). We discuss reported book details such as horror-themed subclasses, species (including damphir, hexblood, lupin, reborn), new backgrounds, dark gift feats, domains of dread, allies like Rudolph Van Richten, and multiple horror genres including gothic, dark fantasy, cosmic, and occult, while debating concerns about dark gifts becoming standard feats and whether the book feels too close to Van Richten’s Guide to Ravenloft. We then cover the “Season of Magic” (July–September) with Arcana Unleashed and its companion adventure Deadfall, including returning and new subclasses, new spells, and a new magic item system, plus we briefly address the move to calling the 2024 revision of Dungeons and Dragons “D&D 5.5e”
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▶ CHAPTERS
00:00 D&D 2026 Roadmap Reveal
01:25 Ravenloft and Arcana Tease
01:35 Quick Audio Fix Interruption
02:06 Ravenloft Covers and Vibes
04:07 Release Timing and Season Talk
07:04 Inside Horrors Within Details
10:05 Dark Gifts and Narrative Costs
16:21 Rehash Concerns vs Van Richten
25:45 Ravenloft Accessories and Props
30:06 D&D Seasons and Organized Play
33:02 Arcana Unleashed First Look
36:01 Spells Backgrounds and New Feats
39:32 Subclass Returns and Newcomers
40:46 Ancestral Sorcerer Explained
42:47 Arcana Unleashed Value Debate
45:26 Magic Items That Level Up
46:16 Deadfall Adventure Hype
48:56 Rules Books vs Adventures
58:48 Is It Really 5.5
01:02:35 Hasbro Editions and Digital Push
01:13:04 Final Thoughts and Subscribe ...
05/03/26
The Scar in the Cave | Bardic Quest: Campaign 2 – Ep 021 | D&D Actual Play
In episode 21 of Bardic Quest, our heroes explore more passages in the cavern of the obelisk and black pool, following a carved passage that loops and branches into a natural stairway where a torch-flickering draft and an earthy, rotting-vegetation smell intensify. What is the source of this wind, and the smell that it carries through the tunnels?
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Welcome to Bardic Quest, the show where a group of British-trained actors tell fantastical improvised stories through the medium of Dungeons & Dragons
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▶ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Recap and Setup
01:41 Entering the Left Passage
02:53 Bear Totems Alcove
13:10 The Offering
22:07 Sponsor Recap Break
22:41 The Left Passage Descent
29:57 The Scar
35:38 Regroup
39:26 Episode Wrap And Shoutouts
▶ CREDITS
Opening credits artwork by James RPG Art: http://www.patreon.com/jamesrpgart
Opening credits theme ‘Rise’ by Isaac Finch
3D Character Design by Aiden Bunyan using HeroForge under a Media Usage license.
Our recap was brought to you by Scrybe Quill. Learn more at: https://www.scrybequill.com/?ref=zjQbG7bqZ4RrspCooIzjdAh2nxi1
▶ DISCLAIMERS
Bardic Quest is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the © Wizards of the Coast LLC Fan Content Policy. This show is not sponsored, endorsed, approved, or affiliated with © Wizards of the Coast LLC. ...
26/02/26
A Cave of Mystery | Bardic Quest: Campaign 2 – Ep 020 | D&D Actual Play
In episode 20 of Bardic Quest, the party enters a larger cavern with a slick pool and a bear-faced obelisk at its center, surrounded by multiple exits. What is this strange obelisk, and can they navigate this mysterious cave to unlock its secrets?
—
Welcome to Bardic Quest, the show where a group of British-trained actors tell fantastical improvised stories through the medium of Dungeons & Dragons
Join this channel to get access to perks:
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▶ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Recap
01:38 Entering the Obelisk Chamber
12:45 The Plinth and the Bowl
19:57 How Do We Get Back?
37:14 The Rumble
42:42 Outro
▶ CREDITS
Opening credits artwork by James RPG Art: http://www.patreon.com/jamesrpgart
Opening credits theme ‘Rise’ by Isaac Finch
3D Character Design by Aiden Bunyan using HeroForge under a Media Usage license.
Our recap was brought to you by Scrybe Quill. Learn more at: https://www.scrybequill.com/?ref=zjQbG7bqZ4RrspCooIzjdAh2nxi1
▶ DISCLAIMERS
Bardic Quest is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the © Wizards of the Coast LLC Fan Content Policy. This show is not sponsored, endorsed, approved, or affiliated with © Wizards of the Coast LLC. ...
25/02/26
A First Look at the New Vestige Patron Warlock for D&D 2024 | The Bardic Quest Talk Show
In this episode of the Bardic Quest talk show, the cast discusses the D&D playtest Vestige Patron Warlock. They break down the subclass’s core fantasy—drawing on the remnants of a dying, forgotten god—and how it pulls the patron into regular play via the Vestige Companion. The conversation covers companion mechanics (bonus-action commands, stat block comparisons to Beast Master and familiars, resistances by type, durability, and resummoning/dismissing rules), plus the once-per-day divine powers (cursed invocation, fiendish swap, healing touch) and how they create different gameplay moments. They also examine the subclass’s expanded spell options via choosing a Cleric domain (Life, Light, Trickery, War), discuss front-loaded design and narrative-vs-mechanics friction—especially the ability to change the companion’s creature type on a long rest—and review higher-level features like Vestige Recovery (more uses of divine power), Aura of Power (large, long-lasting team buffs and a protective “drop to 0 HP” effect), and the level 14 upgrade that turns the companion into a stronger summoned creature for one minute.
00:00 Show Intro and Format
00:51 Today’s Topic Vestige Warlock
03:23 Dying God Patron Concept
05:57 Warlock Patron as Companion
08:32 Vestige Companion Stat Block
15:44 Combat Control and Balance
20:31 Divine Powers Breakdown
25:13 Utility and DM Rulings
28:01 Resummoning and Form Swaps
30:34 Narrative vs Mechanics Debate
35:07 Warlock Playstyle and Fun Factor
36:16 Cleric Domains as Spell List
38:24 Cleric Domain Picks
39:17 Trickery Domain Value
40:55 War Domain Combos
42:11 Life and Light Synergy
44:19 Front Loaded Identity
45:10 Level 6 Vestige Recovery
47:13 Level 10 Aura Power
48:16 Aura Inconsistency Debate
53:51 Level 14 Summon Upgrade
56:36 Balance and Narrative Fit
01:05:01 Final Thoughts Wrap ...
19/02/26
Showdown in the Shallows | Bardic Quest: Campaign 2 – Ep 019 | D&D Actual Play
Join the cast of Bardic Quest for episode 19 where British actors weave an improvised story through the game of Dungeons & Dragons.
Our heroes find themselves face-to-face with monstrous creatures emerging from the viscous water, leading to a tense battle.
—
Welcome to Bardic Quest, the show where a group of British-trained actors tell fantastical improvised stories through the medium of Dungeons & Dragons
Join this channel to get access to perks:
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▶ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction and Recap
02:06 Rolling for Initiative
17:59 Lighting the Cave
27:47 Strategic Retreat
39:21 Aftermath
43:42 Analysing the Creatures
48:17 Exploring the Cave
51:49 Conclusion
▶ CREDITS
Opening credits artwork by James RPG Art: http://www.patreon.com/jamesrpgart
Opening credits theme ‘Rise’ by Isaac Finch
3D Character Design by Wayne Ingram using HeroForge under a Media Usage license.
Our recap was brought to you by Scrybe Quill. Learn more at: https://www.scrybequill.com/?ref=zjQbG7bqZ4RrspCooIzjdAh2nxi1
▶ DISCLAIMERS
Bardic Quest is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the © Wizards of the Coast LLC Fan Content Policy. This show is not sponsored, endorsed, approved, or affiliated with © Wizards of the Coast LLC. ...
15/02/26
When the Druid Casts ‘Speak with Animals’
In this clip, our druid negotiates with a magpie to gather information. And of course, asks the DM for the name of this magpie NPC… ...
13/02/26
A Baldur’s Gate TV Series in Development and the Vecna D&D Adventure That Could Have Been
In this episode of the Bardic Quest Talk Show, we discuss several key topics in the world of Dungeons & Dragons. We kick off with news about the new HBO D&D series, which will be a sequel to Baldur’s Gate 3, led by showrunner Craig Mazen of ‘The Last of Us’ fame.
Later, we share insights into Chris Perkins’ revelations about the lost ideas for the Vecna: Eve of Ruin campaign and how corporate decisions might have influenced its final version. Ending with a reflection on the current state of D&D releases and what fans can anticipate moving forward, this discussion offers both critique and optimism for the game’s future.
00:00 Welcome and Show Introduction
00:25 Technical Issues and Format Changes
01:07 Today’s Agenda and Show Purpose
02:00 HBO’s New D&D Series Announcement
03:20 Discussion on Horror and TV Shows
07:31 Concerns and Optimism for the D&D Series
13:25 Comparing TV Show Adaptations
25:08 Supernatural and Long-Running TV Shows
37:34 Vener Eve of Ruin Adventure Overview
40:05 Finishing Veterinary VE Roofing
40:30 Planescape Adventure Overview
41:20 Critique of the Adventure Structure
41:43 Joy of D&D Exploration
42:14 Campaign Skeleton vs. Full Campaign
42:30 Dungeon Masters Resource Evaluation
43:19 High Expectations and Disappointments
45:37 Adventure Fixes and Community Feedback
46:33 Original Plans for the Adventure
47:26 Chris Perkins’ Role and Changes
48:34 Time Travel Adventure Concept
50:54 Netheril’s Fall and Time Travel Adventures
55:23 Speculations on Corporate Politics
01:06:24 Lack of New D&D Releases
01:19:10 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans ...
12/02/26
Tempting Out The Dark | Bardic Quest: Campaign 2 – Ep 018 | D&D Actual Play
In this episode of Bardic Quest, the adventurers continue their faux pursuit of Corrin “Whisper” Malliss under Captain Velmark’s instructions. Their journey leads them to a mysterious cave, where they prepare traps and deliberate strategies to draw out the horrific creature that they suspect is inside.
—
Welcome to Bardic Quest, the show where a group of British-trained actors tell fantastical improvised stories through the medium of Dungeons & Dragons
Join this channel to get access to perks:
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▶ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Recap of Previous Episode
01:40 Following the Trail of Rot
04:03 Discovering the Cave
05:46 Setting Up the Traps
13:08 Preparing to Enter
43:14 The Awakening
43:37 Patron Shoutouts and Outro
▶ CREDITS
Opening credits artwork by James RPG Art: http://www.patreon.com/jamesrpgart
Opening credits theme ‘Rise’ by Isaac Finch
3D Character Design by Aiden Bunyan using HeroForge under a Media Usage license.
Our recap was brought to you by Scrybe Quill. Learn more at: https://www.scrybequill.com/?ref=zjQbG7bqZ4RrspCooIzjdAh2nxi1
▶ DISCLAIMERS
Bardic Quest is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the © Wizards of the Coast LLC Fan Content Policy. This show is not sponsored, endorsed, approved, or affiliated with © Wizards of the Coast LLC. ...
05/02/26
Wounded Beast | Bardic Quest: Campaign 2 – Ep 017 | D&D Actual Play
In this episode of Bardic Quest, our heroes, conscripted by Captain Velmark, find themselves veering off their planned dire bear hunt to track down Whisper and confront a greater threat. Tensions rise as the group discovers the dire bear they’ve been searching for, but what they find hints at a more ominous presence lurking. Tune in for a gripping session of intrigue, danger, and survival.
—
Welcome to Bardic Quest, the show where a group of British-trained actors tell fantastical improvised stories through the medium of Dungeons & Dragons
Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj6l7zTjUAl6U_n2xEaT-dg/join
▶ CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction and Recap
01:17 Setting the Scene: The Hunt Begins
01:46 Tensions Rise: Confronting the Captain
03:42 Into the Forest: Strange Noises and Whispers
09:00 Discovery: The Dire Bear
14:42 Mystery Deepens: Investigation
26:16 What Lies Ahead?
27:02 Closing Remarks and Patron Shoutouts
▶ CREDITS
Opening credits artwork by James RPG Art: http://www.patreon.com/jamesrpgart
Opening credits theme ‘Rise’ by Isaac Finch
3D Character Design by Aiden Bunyan using HeroForge under a Media Usage license.
▶ DISCLAIMERS
Bardic Quest is unofficial Fan Content permitted under the © Wizards of the Coast LLC Fan Content Policy. This show is not sponsored, endorsed, approved, or affiliated with © Wizards of the Coast LLC. ...
03/02/26
Embracing the Hunger: Crafting a Memorable Dhampir in D&D
Playing a dhampir in Dungeons and Dragons is a unique experience, teetering between humanity and monstrosity. In this deep dive, we explore the dhampir’s tragic origins, their unique traits, and role-play choices that create compelling characters. Learn about their supernatural abilities, such as increased speed, dark vision, and the iconic vampiric bite.
This guide also provides thoughtful questions to enhance your character’s backstory and role-play depth.
Additionally, we offer a free downloadable worksheet with role play questions to guide your rogue creation process:
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Playing a Dhampir
00:40 The Dhampir’s Story and Identity
02:42 Unique Traits and Abilities
06:26 Role-Playing Your Dhampir
09:18 Conclusion and Additional Resources
WORKSHEET:
Download our free worksheet here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/149751039?utm_campaign=postshare_creator
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj6l7zTjUAl6U_n2xEaT-dg/join ...